The Big, Bold, Beautiful Blog

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Jai Davis

Fight like a Girl!

By Contributing Editor, Shelby Johnson

There’s something to be said about
a woman who is powerful, and owns it. This “man’s world” fears an empowered
woman, a woman with a sense of identity. At some point in our lives, we’ve all
heard the phrase, “You fight like a girl!” used as an insult. Finally, it’s our
chance to take it back. We WILL fight like girls, and kick ass in the process. Women
everywhere are proving that they’re truly irrepressible, commanding the respect
we deserve.

World renowned champion boxer
turned firefighter, and now celebrity trainer, Jai Davis, is a more than
perfect example of a woman who’s not afraid to prove the resilience of women to
the world. As a natural athlete, Jai found her place in boxing by the time she
got to college, easily demonstrating her inherent ability as a competitor, and
one to be taken seriously. As a predominately “male” sport, there was little
support for women in her career. Even though being constantly told she
couldn’t, Jai fights to carve out her own place in history. With the help of a
dedicated and tight-knit network of supporters, she quickly becomes one of the
biggest names in women’s professional boxing.
Her natural talent shines through, allowing her to earn respect and
accolades at even the highest international level, an undeniable accomplishment
for anyone, especially a woman trailblazing a name in a “man’s” sport. As demand
for the sport grew, she becomes accustomed to what it means to be a top
competitor, keeping her dedication to succeed first in all things, gaining
celebrity status. Learning to deal with the obstacles placed before her as a
woman and refusing to compromise, Jai leaves behind an impressive legacy for
many to come after her.

After her retirement, Jai naturally
goes on to become a sought after personal trainer, with just

as much
recognition of her natural ability to lead and help others work toward their
fitness goals in a supportive and positive manner. However, she accounts more
of her experience as a professional female athlete to be the period that
prepared her most for her next major step: becoming a firefighter. Although she
had experienced many different challenges as a female athlete, never had she
ever faced the outright gender and sexual discrimination she would face as an
openly gay woman in this field. As a competitor, it’s impossible to deny the
titles one’s earned, yet in the workplace, it’s easy for a male superior to
overlook or outright deny the qualifications or abilities of a woman. She had
retired from boxing, but was still feeling the punches on a daily basis.

Rather than be praised, rewarded, and
respected for her merits as men do, Jai found herself being faced with
unbelievable resistance, from having to ask for “special permission” not
required of her male counterparts, to even face to face confrontations with
superiors. As she learned throughout her boxing career, learning to rely on her
own intuition, she would oftentimes have to act against her superior’s demands;
whereas a man in her situation would be considered to have great integrity,
just like many other women in the workplace, she was considered
“insubordinate,” or even worse, the “angry black woman.” She believes it boils
down to the fact that “men simply don’t want to take orders from women,”
regardless of their abilities.

Fighting on a daily basis to be
viewed as simply an equal to her male co-workers, Jai has gone to great lengths
to ensure the continued right of all women to be respected in the workplace. As
far as the recent legalization of gay marriage, she relates that this may allow
more social mobility, rather than within the workplace. She goes on to say that
“no one should have the right to determine who should be allowed to receive
their partners benefits,” especially when lifelong, committed relationships are
questioned or regarded as less legitimate. Preferring to recognize others based
on their accomplishments and values rather than sexual preferences, Jai is
careful to express that everyone should be allowed equality. Although it may
take small steps, marginalized women and especially those in the LGBT community
will finally be able to be granted their long overdue equality and respect.

This inspiring woman continues to
pour back into her family, friends, and community daily. In honor of her
sister, who is battling the final stages of Lupus herself, Jai will be working
diligently with the Lupus Foundation as a national spokesperson to help
increase awareness and support for the disorder, such as aiding to increasing
bone marrow donations, and further research. As an issue that’s near to her
heart, she was fiery in describing her devotion to helping those that she can.
She’ll also be taking on projects and initiatives with Kid’s Choice, speaking
to young ones about cherishing their bodies and minds and self-acceptance. She
understands the need to speak to the youth early, helping to develop a healthy
mindset for the future. As a prominent member of her community, Jai looks forward
to helping serve others; rather than feeling as if she’s “punching a clock or
counting the hours,” Jai has been blessed to be given the opportunity to work
in fields that she feels intimately connected to.

As phenomenal proof of the strength
of all women, Jai Davis continues to “fight like a girl,” making lasting change
in the lives of all she encounters. With a story as remarkable as hers, it’s
surprising to hear her humble voice speak of her accomplishments; in all, she
stands out as a fighter for us all. As an excellent role model, she continues
to do the important work of helping younger generations of girls learn how to
demand respect they each deserve, both in their relationships and the workplace.
As a powerful example of what potential and dedication can accomplish, Jai will
continue to be a source of inspiration for many generations to come. BBB~For more information on Jai Davis, Celebrity Fitness Trainer click here to visit Body By Jai!

A Note From the Editor Xina Sy

"Beauty truly is in the eye of the Beholder..." & that means YOU! How we see ourselves sets the standards on how others view us. When we feel good about us, then we convey & project that energy to the world! We decide our own value & worth & we establish our own place in the world by making our mark through the power of positive body image. No one else can define beauty for us. Beauty comes in all shapes & sizes; colors & styles. Beauty is tall & short & thin & thick... it comes attached to all kinds of amazing personalities; gentle & aggressive, but always solidly-sexy. Beauty is whatever WE determine it to be! Over the next few months, we will be featuring amazing women that define beauty through powerfully unique & undeniable ways...JOIN US!

Interview on Tonya & Friends with Xina Sy/ HerStory: Click & Listen:

EMBRACE YOUR OWN BEAUTY!!!!

CLICK PIC 2 LISTEN

Interview w/ Inga Ambrosia & Xina Sy

Embracing our own inner beauty is sometimes challenging! With all of the external distractions around us, pulling our attention towards the physical, we often forget about what truly matters: OUR OWN BEAUTY! Tune in & listen to this candid discussion on REAL beauty with Inga Ambrosia from Ambrosia Coaching & Body-Positive Activist, Xina Sy. Listen as the share tips & personal anecdotes on becoming & being body confident!